Amity pondered that and then smiled. “How fortunate for all concerned that Eleanor’s husband got the post as a clerk and that he had the insight to make those very good investments.”
A secretive, amused smile edged Marissa’s mouth. “Very fortunate, indeed.”
“Benedict recommended Eleanor’s husband for that post at the firm of solicitors, didn’t he? He probably also suggested those investments that turned out well for the couple.”
Marissa laughed. “You do, indeed, know Ben very well—far better than most people know him. Yes, he gave the couple considerable assistance at a time when they desperately needed it. When I heard the tale, I was surprised at his generosity. But as Richard pointed out, Ben quickly realized he’d barely avoided what would no doubt have been an unhappy marriage. It’s Richard’s opinion that helping Eleanor and her husband financially was Ben’s way of expressing his gratitude and relief.”
At long last Benedict and Richard walked out of the study into the sunlit garden. They headed toward the bench where Amity sat with Marissa.
Amity watched Benedict for a moment and then she smiled again.
“No,” she said. “He helped Eleanor and her husband because he felt sorry for the couple. He realized that Eleanor had been pushed into the engagement in the first place and that it was not her fault she had wound up in such a disastrous situation. And because she had left the Rose Necklace behind.”
“As I said, you seem to know Ben well,” Marissa said softly.
Benedict and Richard arrived at the bench. Benedict had his small notebook in his hand. There was an air of barely suppressed anticipation about both men.
“What is it?” Amity asked.
“Did you discover something of interest?” Marissa asked.
“Perhaps,” Benedict said. “Richard made inquiries at his club. He has learned some information about the recent travels of several of the men on the Channing guest list.”
“There were a handful of men on the list who were out of London for extended periods of time during the past year,” Richard said. “Only to be expected, of course. Most were said to have traveled to their estates to see to business matters. A couple claimed to be traveling abroad. Those stories can no doubt be verified by Logan.”
“Between us, Richard and I drew up a time line,” Benedict said quickly. “It is cross-referenced with the time line that Inspector Logan provided. It tells us which of the men were away from London in the interim between the first murder and the more recent killings.”
“The list is quite short,” Richard said.
“I will give it to Inspector Logan so that he can begin making inquiries from his end,” Benedict said.
“Meanwhile, I will continue my inquiries at my club,” Richard said.
“Uncle Cornelius will also continue to assist us,” Benedict added. “It is the least he can do since he is in part responsible for this situation in the first place.”
“That’s not fair,” Amity said.
“It’s perfectly fair, as far as I’m concerned.” Benedict’s voice hardened. “Besides, Cornelius is well positioned to gain precisely that sort of information. His reach extends into every club in London.”
“The killer would have needed medical attention and time to heal,” Marissa said. “If he is alive, someone must know how badly he was injured.”
Benedict looked grim. “Richard and Uncle Cornelius have made inquiries along that line. Thus far no one is aware of a gentleman who was attacked or injured in a so-called accident.”
Amity thought for a moment. “Perhaps we are searching for someone who took a cure for a certain unspecified illness a few months ago and has now returned to the same spa for another round of therapy.”
Benedict, Richard and Marissa looked at her.
“That is a brilliant notion,” Marissa said softly.
“Excellent strategy,” Richard added. “What better excuse could the killer use to conceal his wounds than to let it be known that he was taking a cure at an unnamed spa?”
Benedict smiled a slow, cold smile and looked at Richard. “You do see now why I am so happy to find myself engaged to Miss Doncaster.”
Richard chuckled and slapped Benedict on the shoulder. “She does appear to be the perfect one for you, brother.”
Twenty-two
May I ask what you and Marissa were discussing out in the garden?” Benedict asked.
